A perceptual study of the questions and assertives modalities after vertical partial laryngectomies

Authors : Wallet L, Crevier-Buchman L, Hans S, Vaissière J. (Paris)

Ref. : Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol. 2009;130,1:65-68.

Article published in french
Downloadable PDF document french

Summary :
Objectives: Our study concerns the perception of the contrast between assertives and question modalities in patients having undergone a cordectomy or a vertical partial laryngectomy. Material and methods: Four patients (2 cordectomies and 2 vertical partial laryngectomies), age from 57 to 66 year old (average 61; median 61) were included. They were recorded while producing logatomes, constituents and sentences in the assertive and question modalities. Perceptual evaluation was analysed using Praat software. The assessors (consisting of 8 French native auditors, 4 men and 4 women) evaluated 80 stimuli. Results: Our results show a good average rate of modality recognition with a good intelligibility for these patients. The more frequent errors were in the vertical partial laryngectomies group who had more unpredictable modulations. Conclusion: Our small sample does not allow us to generalize but our first observations tend to show that these patients have a good capability in producing question and assertive modalities.